Armed forces act main issue in Manipur

Altogether 8,26,539 voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 970 polling stations in Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency on Wednesday in the second phase polling.

Total seven candidates including a woman are in the fray. The first phase poll was held in Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on April 16 last.

Prominent candidates are sitting Member of Parliament Thocksom Meinya Singh of the Congress, M Nara Singh of the Communist Party of India, Th Chaoba Singh of Manipur People's Party and former chief minister Wahengbam Nipamacha of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Election Commission has fixed the date of second phase poling a day ahead for Inner Manipur constituency in view of Thursday (April 23) being a state holiday on account of Khongjom Day observed to remember Manipuri warriors who laid down their lives in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur war.

The issue over continued enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the insurgency ravaged Manipur has been the core issue over which the election is being fought this time.

The ruling Congress has maintained that the present volatile situation in Manipur is not conducive for withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.